Carmel confirms death after Legionnaires' Disease – News – The Columbus Dispatch



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A patient died Sunday after a Legionella outbreak in the new Mount Carmel Grove City Hospital.

"My entire team and I are deeply saddened by the death announced tonight by Mount Carmel Grove City, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family," said Amy Acton, director of the health department of the United States. Ohio in a press release.

"We share the concerns of all those affected by this outbreak.The Ohio Department of Health continues to work closely with the Franklin County Department of Public Health and the Mount Carmel Health System. to ensure the safety of patients. "

Seven patients were diagnosed with the disease. The patient in the first case was hospitalized at the new hospital of $ 361 million from April 29 to May 7, and five other patients who contracted the disease remained between May 8 and May 20. The seventh case was identified late Friday.

The hospital did not identify the deceased patient.

"Out of respect for the privacy of the family and in accordance with the laws on the protection of patient privacy, we do not discuss the details and the complexity of patient information," said Dr Richard Streck, Head of Operations Mount Carmel Health System Clinics, in a press release. . "We can say that it is too early to determine the ultimate cause of death." For most people, the risk of getting legionellosis is low, but people with underlying chronic conditions are at increased risk. . "

Streck stated that the hospital "worked with county and state health authorities to identify the source of the bacteria." We took a number of steps to protect our patients, staff and visitors, including through significant restrictions. in water, we are doing additional tests on water sources. " throughout the Town of Mount Carmel Grove, and our water supply is currently undergoing additional disinfection. We are confident that we can safely maintain the full services of the hospital. "

Streck advised people in hospital with coughs, muscle aches, headaches, fever or shortness of breath to contact their primary care physician.

Legionnaires' disease kills about 10% of people diagnosed in the general population, but this rate can reach 1 in 4 when the epidemic occurs in a retirement home or hospital.

Legionella bacteria can be naturally present in the water, but can become a health problem when they spread in water supply systems and in places such as shower stalls, taps and fountains.

According to the Federal Centers for Disease Control, bacteria are spreading in cooling towers, hot water tanks and plumbing systems, especially in hotels, hospitals and cruise ships.

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